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Industrial Robotics are programmed machines that perform tasks such as welding, assembly, material handling, and packaging. They automate repetitive, dangerous, or precise tasks and enable increased productivity and quality control. Industrial robotics have made significant advancements since their invention in the 1950s, when they were simple mechanical arms performing boring, repetitive tasks. Today’s robots are highly intelligent, fast, and flexible machines capable of carrying out a wide range of complex manufacturing functions.
How Industrial Robots Work
Industrial robots work by following a pre-programmed set of instructions. These programs are created using teach pendants – handheld devices that guide the robot through its motions. Engineers use teach pendants to move the robot arm through its intended motions and record the steps. This teaches the robot its task. The program is then run repeatedly for high-volume production.
Some key components that enable industrial robotics to function include:
– Actuators: Motors and pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders that provide motion to the robot.
– Sensors: Devices that provide feedback to the control system on the robot’s position, speed, temperature, pressure and other variables. Common sensors include force/torque sensors, proximity sensors, vision systems and more.
– Controller: An industrial computer that runs the robot’s program and coordinates its motions based on sensor feedback. Controllers are programmed using robot programming languages.
– End effectors: Tools attached to the robot’s wrist, such as grippers, welding guns or gluing nozzles, that perform the required physical interaction with the work environment.
Growing Applications in Manufacturing
Industrial robotics are increasingly being adopted across various manufacturing industries due to their benefits. Some key applications include:
Automotive manufacturing utilizes robots for tasks such as welding, painting, assembling, and handling of parts. Robots improve consistency and quality while reducing costs in automotive production.
Electronics manufacturers use robots for component placement, assembly, packaging and other precise tasks in small electronics production. Robots are well-suited for these applications due to their precision and flexibility.
Material handling industrial robotics efficiently transfer materials and components between production machines in factories. They help streamline material flow and reduce labor costs.
General assembly sees growing use of robots for diverse assembly operations from assembling complex parts to packaging finished goods. Complete turnkey robotic assembly cells are common.
Packaging and palletizing robots take on a variety of tasks from case packing and sealing to pallet building, shrink wrapping and more. They increase throughput in high-speed packaging lines.
Welding robots perform various types of spot, seam and arc welding used in construction, shipbuilding and other industries. Robots improve weld quality and reduce repetitive stress risks for workers.
Benefits of Industrial Robotics
There are many compelling benefits driving the adoption of industrial robots, including:
Productivity and throughput improvements: Robots work 24/7 and complete tasks faster and more consistently than humans, boosting overall equipment effectiveness.
Quality consistency: Robotic motions provide precise repetition, improving product quality and reducing defects compared to manual labor.
Workplace safety: Robots take on hazardous tasks that expose workers to risks like heat, chemicals and heavy lifting. This improves workplace ergonomics and safety.
Reduced labor costs: While expensive to purchase and deploy, industrial robotics eliminate costs associated with healthcare, payroll taxes, absenteeism and training over their lifespan.
Flexibility: Robots can quickly adjust to changes in product design or processes with minimal reprogramming, improving manufacturability.
Minimized waste: Robots waste little material and follow prescribed motions and parameters, leading to minimal rework and higher yield rates.
Global competitiveness: Automating with robots enables companies to produce at high volumes and boost productivity to compete on a global scale.
Overall, industrial robotics is having a transformative impact on manufacturing by enabling the production of higher quality goods at lower costs, greater volumes and with improved worker safety. Its widespread application across industries continues to accelerate with new technological capabilities.
*Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
